Baseball's second half pt 1

All right, there are a few things that I have on my mind in regards to the second half of the baseball season which begins playing on Thursday the 16th:

- Doc Halladay
- The NL could be the most interesting league in recent years
- Why Manny is getting a lot of attention
- Owners are ridiculous

The Big Trade Wind

First off, the Doc Halladay story and the NL East could be a linked story. Look, Hallady already has 10 wins, and looks like he's ready for another ten. The day of the all star game, the Phillies are atop the NL East, and if they got Halladay, they would pretty much run away with the division. However, if you say a top flight starter is good for about 7-10 wins, an number two starter would get you 6-8 etc. you are adding a LOT of wins to the Phillies.

But here's the deal, the Mets are the other team to watch out for. Sure the Phillies finally got their coveted fourth starter in Pedro [note, I love how the link is still for the Mets. Sorry John] who is MILES above anyone else in that position. I wouldn't say that is another handful of wins, but it certainly prevents losses (if that makes any sense; but just ask Putz, he might be able to tell you). Regardless, the Mets actually assemble a Baseball team, they can surge. They too could fight for Roy, but given their financial situation and farm team depth, not likely. For the record, I believe the Mets will pull their usual late July push.

Oh yeah, forgot about Atlanta just like everyone else does every year. I don't have much to say about them.....they are very good.

In regards to the rest of the NL, let's put it this way: if the Phillies get Halladay, they are the team to beat. Halladay --> Hammels and then a very good veteran staff behind them with a potentially 'excited' Lidge closing out? Lidge seems to do far better in save situations, and on teams that are winning. Funny story, it's very similar to M. Rivera's troubles in non-save situations. It must be a closers mentality.

If the Mets were to land Halladay, they would leapfrog to first or second and stay there. After that, I've heard that St. Louis would be a great suitor for him should the money appear. Think about this: Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright and Roy Halladay...(Halladay might pitch better in the NL, no one knows.) They would obliterate their way to a division title. Same thing goes with the Cubs who are bankrupt and unlikely to get Halladay. The Dodgers have been whispered among teams who are doing just fine without Halladay, but will whisper back.

Likely scenario at this point? Philadelphia or bust. Halladay is a committed guy, and hopefully aware that he can make the team a real threat to repeat.

Why Manny is getting a free pass...sort of...

After listening to more of Tim Kurkijan talk about Manny Ramirez, a horrible thought came over me: I know why Manny is getting a free pass. The press is certainly getting on him about what happened, but the fans came out in full force for him in the minor leagues. But why celebrate a cheat?

As a Jets fan, I remember the former commander once saying, "You play to win the game." Apparently the cost was his own dignity and 50 days off. Yet, the fan support is a proven sign of this. Yes, you play to win the game, but as fans we cheer for that jerk no one else except our own fan base likes. Want proof?

Some hate-links of great athletes:

LeBron James - Throwing this out there...he's pretty good.
Tiger Woods - If you think Tiger is bad for the game, ask me: why do you think golf is getting the attention from the casual fan?

He said that fans go to these games to cheer for their team. It's the bottom of the 9th, 2 on and 2 out. Down by 3 with the bases loaded and the dreadlocked Manny is coming to the plate. What do you do? You aren't turning off the TV, if anything - you call your friends and say "You have to see this." Television revenue right there, and fans are NOT heading to the gates at that time. You go to the game to see a win, it's entertainment. You paid a lot of money to see the game. In this economic climate, you take joy where you can get it. That's what it comes down to...dollar value entertainment.

"I was at the game where Alex Rodriguez hit the walk-off grand slam against the Indians two years ago!"

"Dude that's awesome. I hate A-Rod though"

"Yeah, me too, but I was at that game!"

That's why the Dodger fans will love him. Everyone else will hate him, but we all will watch.